How High Humidity Can Impact Your Health and Home

Summer is almost upon us and that means warmer temperatures and higher humidity will be here soon.  Keeping our homes (and families) comfortable at this time of year can be challenging.  High humidity, not only can make you feel sticky and uncomfortable, it can also lead to problems with your health and home.

Maintain Proper Humidity Levels
One of the smartest things you can do for your home is to maintain proper humidity levels. During the summer the ideal relative humidity for health and comfort is about 40–50%.  Most of us feel comfortable inside our home when the relative humidity remains in this range.

Problems Caused by High Humidity
High humidity in a home leads to excess moisture being present that can lead to ….

Mold and dust mites (which love moisture) are major triggers for people with respiratory issues like asthma and allergies. Proper humidity levels minimize the potential that mold, dust mites and other insects will have a receptive environment to flourish.

Musty or stale smells in your home are not particularly pleasant.  Mildew and mold, both of which multiply in high humidity spaces, are normally the cause of these odors. To prevent mold you need to dry out the space, like a basement, as well fix any areas where water may be entering your home.

Home and possessions will last longer when lower humidity levels are maintained inside your home.  Excess humidity can cause wood (including the wood in your furniture and flooring) over time to expand and contract. This can do irreparable damage to wood items, causing them to warp, crack or even split.  Humidity can also take a toll on appliances, wiring and the overall efficiency of your home.

Steps to Reduce Humidity
There are several steps a homeowner can take to reduce the humidity in their home.

1. Create greater airflow through your home by opening windows on both sides of your house and using floor, exhaust and attic fans to circulate the air.

2. Running your air conditioner will lower humidity levels.  Remember to replace the AC filters regularly.

3. Activities like long, hot showers, drying clothes indoors and keeping house plants inside, all contribute to higher moisture levels and higher humidity. Shorten your showers, and take your clothes and plants outside.

4. A dehumidifier can help protect valuable items inside your home — everything from wood floors and furniture to paintings and books.

Getting Humidity Levels Just Right
Not only will you feel more comfortable, but having a living space that isn’t too dry or too damp can improve overall health, keep your home in better condition, and protect your valuable assets.  If you have questions on how to better control humidity levels in your home, please give us a call at 765-447-7555.